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The DNA of Success: Know What You Want to Get What You Want
Do you set goals for yourself only to find they go unmet?
Do you recite daily affirmations that never become realized?
Do you ever listen to motivational speakers but find you quickly lose your enthusiasm?
How many times have you set out to achieve your goals only to find yourself falling short of the mark? Over the years, we've been inundated by methods of achieving success -- goal setting, daily affirmations, self-help gurus, and subliminal messaging. But these standard techniques have failed us time and time again. So what does work and how do we go about living the life we've always dreamed of having? Is it even possible?
Not only is it possible, with The DNA of Success, it's inevitable. Success is not something "out there" -- it's an inside job. We all possess what it takes to achieve our greatest desires. But first, to find the motivation and direction our lives lack, we need to pinpoint our Core Desires -- those things in life for which we have an intense, unwavering, and deeply felt need. Whether you want to earn more money, establish deeper relationships, boost your self-confidence, or deepen your spirituality, you must first identify your Core Desire -- that intense want that drives you from within.
Do you know what you desire most in your heart?
Do you have a sense of what it will take to realize those desires?
Are you willing to do whatever it takes?
Jack Zufelt, a top professional speaker and highly acclaimed trainer, knows that all success is a result of the power within us. As The DNA of Success explains, Core Desires are the trigger mechanisms that unleash the Conquering Force. Your Conquering Force is your innate ability to act effectively in a pursuit of your Core Desires. Once you tap into your Conquering Force, you will overcome all obstacles and resistance in your way to achieve amazing results -- every time.
Don't waste your valuable time and energy writing goals, visualizing your success, or repeating mantras -- The DNA of Success smashes the myths of achievement and teaches you to find the cause of success within yourself. Through case histories, business examples, real-life stories, testimonials, success tips, and proven advice, Zufelt reveals the new, in-depth psychology and personal habits that have won him the respect of his colleagues and the praise of the many thousands he has inspired.
- GenresNonfictionBusiness
224 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1975
8 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 27, 2013
This book was great in helping identify what you really want out of life. Really. The author spent too much time with stories and bagging other self help books for me to give a higher rating. It seemed like 70-80% was fluff, though the parts that weren't fluff were pure gold.
June 8, 2024
"The DNA of Success" by Jack M. Zufelt explores the concept of Core Desires as intrinsic motivations that drive true success. It critiques traditional success methods like goal-setting and emphasizes the importance of following one's heart, harnessing internal power, and seeking mentorship to achieve genuine fulfillment and lasting success.
Main Points of the Book:
1. Introduction: Something is Missing - The author highlights the common feeling of underachievement and disconnection from our potential, emphasizing that traditional methods like goal-setting and motivational speakers often fail to bring lasting success.
2. Core Desires - Zufelt introduces the concept of Core Desires, which are intrinsic motivations that drive true success. He argues that success comes from within and is driven by our deepest desires.
3. Heart-Set over Mind-Set - The book emphasizes the importance of following one's heart rather than relying solely on rational thinking. Zufelt asserts that emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation are key to achieving success.
4. Identifying Core Desires - The author provides a framework for identifying one's Core Desires, which are essential for personal fulfillment and success.
5. The Conquering Force Within You - Zufelt discusses the internal power that helps individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
6. The Success Attitude - The book highlights the importance of a positive and determined attitude in achieving success.
7. The Special Force of Mentoring - Mentoring is presented as a crucial element in achieving success, providing guidance and support in pursuing one's Core Desires.
8. Application Areas - Zufelt applies his principles to various aspects of life, including family relationships, financial desires, self-image, social relationships, mental improvement, and spiritual engagement.
9. Conclusion: The Growth Imperative - The author concludes with a call to continuous personal growth and development, stressing that true success is an ongoing process.
Takeaways from Each Chapter:
Introduction: Something is Missing Many people feel something is missing in their lives despite the abundance of success advice available. Traditional success techniques often fail to provide lasting fulfillment. Zufelt identifies a disconnect between our potential and what we achieve, attributing this to flawed success methodologies. He critiques goal-setting, affirmations, and motivational speakers, highlighting their temporary impact. Zufelt emphasizes that success is not external but internal, rooted in our deepest desires. The introduction sets the stage for exploring the concept of Core Desires, urging readers to look within to identify their true motivations and achieve genuine success.
Chapter 1: Success Springs from Desire True success is driven by intrinsic motivation and deep desires. Identifying and pursuing Core Desires leads to genuine fulfillment. Zufelt argues that many people fail because they do not know what they truly want. He critiques conventional success methodologies, stating they often lead to frustration and failure. By focusing on Core Desires, individuals can align their actions with their true passions, resulting in automatic motivation and success. This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the importance of intrinsic motivation, setting the stage for identifying and harnessing Core Desires.
Chapter 2: Heart-Set over Mind-Set Emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation (heart-set) are more powerful than rational thinking (mind-set) in achieving success. Zufelt explains that the heart is the center of our emotional intelligence and the ultimate guide for making important decisions. By following our hearts, we can tap into powerful emotions that drive success. He contrasts heart-set with mind-set, emphasizing that the latter often lacks the emotional power to sustain long-term efforts. This chapter encourages readers to trust their hearts and pursue what they truly desire, rather than relying solely on rational thinking.
Chapter 3: Identifying Your Core Desires The key to success is accurately identifying what you truly desire. Pursuing these desires with passion leads to automatic motivation and success. Zufelt provides a framework for identifying Core Desires, which involves introspection and understanding what truly excites and motivates you. He shares personal stories and examples to illustrate how identifying Core Desires can lead to significant achievements. This chapter offers practical steps for uncovering your deepest motivations, setting the stage for a more fulfilling and successful life.
Chapter 4: The Conquering Force Within You Everyone has an internal power, the Conquering Force, which helps overcome obstacles and achieve goals. This force is fueled by passion and intrinsic motivation. Zufelt explains that the Conquering Force is the energy and determination that drives us to achieve our Core Desires. By tapping into this force, individuals can overcome challenges and persist in the face of adversity. This chapter emphasizes the importance of passion and intrinsic motivation in achieving success, encouraging readers to harness their internal power to conquer obstacles.
Chapter 5: The Success Attitude A positive and determined attitude is essential for success. Believing in oneself and maintaining a success-oriented mindset is crucial. Zufelt discusses the importance of a positive attitude in achieving success, highlighting how it can influence our actions and outcomes. He provides examples of successful individuals who maintained a positive attitude despite challenges. This chapter underscores the power of mindset in achieving success, encouraging readers to cultivate a success-oriented attitude to achieve their goals.
Chapter 6: The Special Force of Mentoring Mentors play a vital role in achieving success by providing guidance, support, and knowledge. Finding the right mentors can significantly impact one's journey. Zufelt explains the importance of seeking and utilizing qualified mentors who align with our Core Desires. He shares personal experiences and examples to illustrate how mentoring can accelerate success. This chapter emphasizes the value of mentorship in achieving personal and professional growth, encouraging readers to seek out mentors who can guide and support them in their journey.
Chapter 7: Creating Great Family Relationships Applying Core Desires to family relationships leads to stronger and more fulfilling connections. Understanding and pursuing shared desires strengthens family bonds. Zufelt discusses the importance of aligning family goals with Core Desires, highlighting how this can lead to greater harmony and satisfaction. He provides practical tips for improving family relationships by focusing on shared motivations and desires. This chapter underscores the role of Core Desires in fostering strong and fulfilling family relationships, encouraging readers to apply these principles to enhance their family life.
Chapter 8: Achieving Your Financial Desires Financial success is achieved by identifying and pursuing financial Core Desires. Aligning financial goals with intrinsic motivations leads to greater satisfaction. Zufelt explains how understanding and pursuing financial Core Desires can lead to financial success and fulfillment. He provides practical steps for aligning financial goals with intrinsic motivations, highlighting the importance of pursuing what truly excites and motivates you. This chapter offers valuable insights into achieving financial success by focusing on Core Desires, encouraging readers to align their financial goals with their deepest motivations.
Chapter 9: Enhancing Your Self-Image A positive self-image is crucial for success. Believing in oneself and cultivating self-worth enhances the ability to achieve Core Desires. Zufelt discusses the importance of self-image in achieving success, highlighting how a positive self-image can influence our actions and outcomes. He provides practical tips for improving self-image, emphasizing the role of self-belief and self-worth in achieving Core Desires. This chapter underscores the power of self-image in achieving success, encouraging readers to cultivate a positive self-image to enhance their ability to achieve their goals.
Chapter 10: Cultivating Social Relationships Social success is achieved by understanding and pursuing Core Desires in relationships. Building genuine connections based on shared desires leads to fulfilling social interactions. Zufelt explains how aligning social goals with Core Desires can lead to more meaningful and satisfying relationships. He provides practical steps for building genuine connections based on shared motivations and desires. This chapter emphasizes the importance of Core Desires in cultivating fulfilling social relationships, encouraging readers to apply these principles to enhance their social interactions.
Chapter 11: Improving Your Mind Mental improvement is essential for success. Continuously learning and growing intellectually aligns with Core Desires and enhances overall success. Zufelt discusses the importance of lifelong learning and intellectual growth in achieving success. He provides practical tips for improving mental capabilities, emphasizing the role of continuous learning and growth in aligning with Core Desires. This chapter underscores the significance of mental improvement in achieving success, encouraging readers to pursue intellectual growth and learning to enhance their overall success.
Chapter 12: Engaging Your Spiritual Being Spiritual engagement is a vital aspect of true success. Pursuing spiritual Core Desires brings deeper fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Zufelt explains how understanding and pursuing spiritual Core Desires can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. He provides practical steps for aligning spiritual goals with intrinsic motivations, highlighting the importance of spiritual engagement in achieving true success. This chapter offers valuable insights into achieving spiritual fulfillment by focusing on Core Desires, encouraging readers to align their spiritual goals with their deepest motivations.
Conclusion:
The Growth Imperative True success is an ongoing process that requires continuous personal growth and development. Embracing lifelong learning and improvement is essential for sustained success. Zufelt concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuous personal growth in achieving and maintaining success. He encourages readers to embrace lifelong learning and improvement, highlighting how this mindset can lead to ongoing success and fulfillment. This chapter serves as a call to action, urging readers to commit to continuous personal growth and development to achieve lasting success.
Main Points of the Book:
1. Introduction: Something is Missing - The author highlights the common feeling of underachievement and disconnection from our potential, emphasizing that traditional methods like goal-setting and motivational speakers often fail to bring lasting success.
2. Core Desires - Zufelt introduces the concept of Core Desires, which are intrinsic motivations that drive true success. He argues that success comes from within and is driven by our deepest desires.
3. Heart-Set over Mind-Set - The book emphasizes the importance of following one's heart rather than relying solely on rational thinking. Zufelt asserts that emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation are key to achieving success.
4. Identifying Core Desires - The author provides a framework for identifying one's Core Desires, which are essential for personal fulfillment and success.
5. The Conquering Force Within You - Zufelt discusses the internal power that helps individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
6. The Success Attitude - The book highlights the importance of a positive and determined attitude in achieving success.
7. The Special Force of Mentoring - Mentoring is presented as a crucial element in achieving success, providing guidance and support in pursuing one's Core Desires.
8. Application Areas - Zufelt applies his principles to various aspects of life, including family relationships, financial desires, self-image, social relationships, mental improvement, and spiritual engagement.
9. Conclusion: The Growth Imperative - The author concludes with a call to continuous personal growth and development, stressing that true success is an ongoing process.
Takeaways from Each Chapter:
Introduction: Something is Missing Many people feel something is missing in their lives despite the abundance of success advice available. Traditional success techniques often fail to provide lasting fulfillment. Zufelt identifies a disconnect between our potential and what we achieve, attributing this to flawed success methodologies. He critiques goal-setting, affirmations, and motivational speakers, highlighting their temporary impact. Zufelt emphasizes that success is not external but internal, rooted in our deepest desires. The introduction sets the stage for exploring the concept of Core Desires, urging readers to look within to identify their true motivations and achieve genuine success.
Chapter 1: Success Springs from Desire True success is driven by intrinsic motivation and deep desires. Identifying and pursuing Core Desires leads to genuine fulfillment. Zufelt argues that many people fail because they do not know what they truly want. He critiques conventional success methodologies, stating they often lead to frustration and failure. By focusing on Core Desires, individuals can align their actions with their true passions, resulting in automatic motivation and success. This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the importance of intrinsic motivation, setting the stage for identifying and harnessing Core Desires.
Chapter 2: Heart-Set over Mind-Set Emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation (heart-set) are more powerful than rational thinking (mind-set) in achieving success. Zufelt explains that the heart is the center of our emotional intelligence and the ultimate guide for making important decisions. By following our hearts, we can tap into powerful emotions that drive success. He contrasts heart-set with mind-set, emphasizing that the latter often lacks the emotional power to sustain long-term efforts. This chapter encourages readers to trust their hearts and pursue what they truly desire, rather than relying solely on rational thinking.
Chapter 3: Identifying Your Core Desires The key to success is accurately identifying what you truly desire. Pursuing these desires with passion leads to automatic motivation and success. Zufelt provides a framework for identifying Core Desires, which involves introspection and understanding what truly excites and motivates you. He shares personal stories and examples to illustrate how identifying Core Desires can lead to significant achievements. This chapter offers practical steps for uncovering your deepest motivations, setting the stage for a more fulfilling and successful life.
Chapter 4: The Conquering Force Within You Everyone has an internal power, the Conquering Force, which helps overcome obstacles and achieve goals. This force is fueled by passion and intrinsic motivation. Zufelt explains that the Conquering Force is the energy and determination that drives us to achieve our Core Desires. By tapping into this force, individuals can overcome challenges and persist in the face of adversity. This chapter emphasizes the importance of passion and intrinsic motivation in achieving success, encouraging readers to harness their internal power to conquer obstacles.
Chapter 5: The Success Attitude A positive and determined attitude is essential for success. Believing in oneself and maintaining a success-oriented mindset is crucial. Zufelt discusses the importance of a positive attitude in achieving success, highlighting how it can influence our actions and outcomes. He provides examples of successful individuals who maintained a positive attitude despite challenges. This chapter underscores the power of mindset in achieving success, encouraging readers to cultivate a success-oriented attitude to achieve their goals.
Chapter 6: The Special Force of Mentoring Mentors play a vital role in achieving success by providing guidance, support, and knowledge. Finding the right mentors can significantly impact one's journey. Zufelt explains the importance of seeking and utilizing qualified mentors who align with our Core Desires. He shares personal experiences and examples to illustrate how mentoring can accelerate success. This chapter emphasizes the value of mentorship in achieving personal and professional growth, encouraging readers to seek out mentors who can guide and support them in their journey.
Chapter 7: Creating Great Family Relationships Applying Core Desires to family relationships leads to stronger and more fulfilling connections. Understanding and pursuing shared desires strengthens family bonds. Zufelt discusses the importance of aligning family goals with Core Desires, highlighting how this can lead to greater harmony and satisfaction. He provides practical tips for improving family relationships by focusing on shared motivations and desires. This chapter underscores the role of Core Desires in fostering strong and fulfilling family relationships, encouraging readers to apply these principles to enhance their family life.
Chapter 8: Achieving Your Financial Desires Financial success is achieved by identifying and pursuing financial Core Desires. Aligning financial goals with intrinsic motivations leads to greater satisfaction. Zufelt explains how understanding and pursuing financial Core Desires can lead to financial success and fulfillment. He provides practical steps for aligning financial goals with intrinsic motivations, highlighting the importance of pursuing what truly excites and motivates you. This chapter offers valuable insights into achieving financial success by focusing on Core Desires, encouraging readers to align their financial goals with their deepest motivations.
Chapter 9: Enhancing Your Self-Image A positive self-image is crucial for success. Believing in oneself and cultivating self-worth enhances the ability to achieve Core Desires. Zufelt discusses the importance of self-image in achieving success, highlighting how a positive self-image can influence our actions and outcomes. He provides practical tips for improving self-image, emphasizing the role of self-belief and self-worth in achieving Core Desires. This chapter underscores the power of self-image in achieving success, encouraging readers to cultivate a positive self-image to enhance their ability to achieve their goals.
Chapter 10: Cultivating Social Relationships Social success is achieved by understanding and pursuing Core Desires in relationships. Building genuine connections based on shared desires leads to fulfilling social interactions. Zufelt explains how aligning social goals with Core Desires can lead to more meaningful and satisfying relationships. He provides practical steps for building genuine connections based on shared motivations and desires. This chapter emphasizes the importance of Core Desires in cultivating fulfilling social relationships, encouraging readers to apply these principles to enhance their social interactions.
Chapter 11: Improving Your Mind Mental improvement is essential for success. Continuously learning and growing intellectually aligns with Core Desires and enhances overall success. Zufelt discusses the importance of lifelong learning and intellectual growth in achieving success. He provides practical tips for improving mental capabilities, emphasizing the role of continuous learning and growth in aligning with Core Desires. This chapter underscores the significance of mental improvement in achieving success, encouraging readers to pursue intellectual growth and learning to enhance their overall success.
Chapter 12: Engaging Your Spiritual Being Spiritual engagement is a vital aspect of true success. Pursuing spiritual Core Desires brings deeper fulfillment and a sense of purpose. Zufelt explains how understanding and pursuing spiritual Core Desires can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. He provides practical steps for aligning spiritual goals with intrinsic motivations, highlighting the importance of spiritual engagement in achieving true success. This chapter offers valuable insights into achieving spiritual fulfillment by focusing on Core Desires, encouraging readers to align their spiritual goals with their deepest motivations.
Conclusion:
The Growth Imperative True success is an ongoing process that requires continuous personal growth and development. Embracing lifelong learning and improvement is essential for sustained success. Zufelt concludes by emphasizing the importance of continuous personal growth in achieving and maintaining success. He encourages readers to embrace lifelong learning and improvement, highlighting how this mindset can lead to ongoing success and fulfillment. This chapter serves as a call to action, urging readers to commit to continuous personal growth and development to achieve lasting success.
October 23, 2022
This book was much like many of the other books of this genre. One thing that set this book apart for me was the focus on relationships outside employment was interesting. If you are looking for some ideas to enhance relationships with friends, children, and spouse you should check out this book. The whole notion of Core Desires throughout the book just seems like a different catch phrase for the same idea every other book like this.
April 25, 2018
Many many solid and practical tips and ways to gaining self-mastery. I enjoyed how he integrated quotes and real-life examples into his narrative. Just a solid, balanced approach to achieving.
June 7, 2025
อย่าลืมหา Mentor
February 17, 2024
This book is good in highlighting the importance of a burning internal desire / “reason why” in the achievement of any endeavour and want
- but besides that the book seemed to be all over the place from dissing “traditional self help” like goals, visualisation, affirmations at the beginning - to vaguely covering importance of friendships, relationships which was random and not that inspiring or original - which was disappointing especially when dismissing time tested, proven and as important self help at the beginning which seemed naive or not called for - I’d have then expected more than what transpired in the end.
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
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- but besides that the book seemed to be all over the place from dissing “traditional self help” like goals, visualisation, affirmations at the beginning - to vaguely covering importance of friendships, relationships which was random and not that inspiring or original - which was disappointing especially when dismissing time tested, proven and as important self help at the beginning which seemed naive or not called for - I’d have then expected more than what transpired in the end.
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
August 18, 2009
Jack explains how you will NOT achieve any goals unless they are a "Core Desire". He shows you how to discover what yours are, and how achieving them will not feel like work, and you will not need affirmations, etc, to achieve them.
Very good read. (I've also listened to his audio program on this same subject)
Very good read. (I've also listened to his audio program on this same subject)
October 18, 2008
I know the author.
Jack writes of a very important principle: each of us has built inside us what we are meant to accomplish and become. Aspirations outside this 'true heart's desire' tend to be futile and frustrating.
Jack specializes in helping people identify what it is they really want.
Jack writes of a very important principle: each of us has built inside us what we are meant to accomplish and become. Aspirations outside this 'true heart's desire' tend to be futile and frustrating.
Jack specializes in helping people identify what it is they really want.
October 17, 2013
The best book so far!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews